The Beagle originated in England around 1475 and was quite popular on the hunting field. They are not big dogs, standing less than 15 inches tall and weighing between 18 and 30 pounds. Because of their size, hunters were able to keep up with them and even carry them when needed. The smaller the dog, the more likely they would be compatible with woman hunters, as well as the elderly and those with disabilities. It was a good choice for almost anyone who wanted to try hunting, from the experienced to first-timers. They were normally used for hunting rabbits.

Once they were finally brought to the United States, they were highly regarded with all types of families – families with or without children, families with or without other pets, families consisting of multiple people and families of one. They have consistently ranked in the top five most popular breeds as ranked by the American Kennel Club, most recently ranking fourth, in 2010.

There are many reasons these dogs are so popular. First, they have great personalities. They are very friendly dogs and get along well with everyone, human and canine alike. Second, they are gentle and tolerant, making the breed a good choice for a family with children, no matter what the age. Third, they encourage exercise. Like all dogs, they encourage their owners to get out of the house for some fresh air.

A few things that are not so desirable include their tendency to bark and howl, their independence that make them hard to recall, and the fact that their coats need brushing at least once a week. They are also prone to a few health conditions, including intervertebral disk disease and hip dysplasia. Both of these conditions affect the bones in the body and can be quite painful for the dog if not treated. Pet insurance can help with the costs associated with treating these conditions so that families don’t have to worry about cost when determining the best course of action. If offers peace of mind during one of the most difficult times a family can endure.

These dogs live to be approximately 12 to 15 years of age.

Heather Rey is a pet lover and internet journalist that strives to provide the best care possible for her pets. For pet-related information, visit this pet insurance site.

The Basset Hound is one of the most interesting dog breeds known to man. They have short, stubby legs that somehow hold up a long, solid body against gravity. They have extremely long ears and sad, droopy eyes and saggy lips that tend to drool. Their loose skin creates many wrinkles throughout their body that need to b e cleaned regularly. They are not often seen standing more than 14 inches tall and they weigh between 40 and 60 pounds. They are definitely a sight to see.

These dogs originated in France and were used to trail rabbits. It isn’t readily known why the long short body was considered a positive trait for this job, but they did prove useful in trailing rabbits without scaring them away. Once these dogs were brought to the United States in the late 1800s, their unique appearance made them popular television personalities, most notably as the cartoon character called Droopy.

Basset Hounds are also very popular among families as a family companion. They are suited for this role as they are good-natured and easygoing. They are a friendly breed and do well interacting with children and other family members, including other pets. They still do love to trail, even when not asked to, and it may be difficult to get them off a scent. For this reason, exercising Basset Hounds should always be conducted on leash or in a fully fenced-in area. Despite what many may think, these dogs do actually need regular exercise. But they do not move very fast, so exercise must be on their own terms.

Some of the most common health conditions these dogs suffer from include elbow dysplasia, ear problems, eyelid problems, glaucoma, and gastric torsion. Unfortunately, these are just a few of the several health conditions that plague this breed. For this reason, many Basset Hound owners choose to invest in pet insurance so they have a way to help pay for treatment related to any of these conditions, and more that may come up, including injuries.

If kept healthy, Basset Hounds can live to be between eight and twelve years old.

Heather Rey is a pet lover and internet journalist that strives to provide the best care possible for her pets. For pet-related information, visit this pet insurance site.